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Madikeri: A team of researchers from the ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, has identified a previously unreported fungal disease that has significantly impacted ginger crops in parts of Kodagu district, Karnataka, during 2024.
According to a statement issued by the Head of ICAR-IISR’s Regional Station at Appangala in Madikeri, the fungal pathogen responsible for the disease belongs to the Pyricularia genus. While this pathogen is known for causing blast diseases in monocot plants such as rice, wheat, and barley, this is the first documented case of it affecting ginger.
What are the symptoms and impact of the disease?
The infection initially presents as yellowing of the leaves, followed by the emergence of dark olive-green or black spots. As the disease progresses, it spreads at an alarming rate, sometimes covering entire fields within hours. This results in severe crop loss and plant mortality.
Although the rhizomes of infected plants remain unaffected, the premature yellowing and drying of leaves hinder proper rhizome formation. Due to this, ginger farmers in Kodagu have reported up to a 30% reduction in rhizome weight, leading to considerable financial losses.
What climatic conditions favour the spread of the disease?
Researchers attribute the rapid spread of the disease to the specific climatic conditions prevalent in Kodagu. During August and September, morning dew formation created an ideal environment for the fungal pathogen to thrive. Consequently, while ginger fields in certain parts of Kodagu were severely affected, crops in other regions of Karnataka and Kerala remained largely unaffected due to varying environmental conditions.
Scientists from ICAR-IISR Kozhikode and its regional station at Appangala faced significant hurdles in their research, as the collected samples would often dry up before reaching the laboratory. However, after extensive studies, the team confirmed Pyricularia spp. as the causative agent.
What are the control and preventive measures for the disease?
To curb the spread of the disease, experts recommend the application of fungicides such as Propiconazole at a concentration of 1 ml per litre of water or a mixture of Carbendazim and Mancozeb at 2 grams per litre.
“These fungicides should be used to treat seed rhizomes for 30 minutes before storage in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, a preventive spray of Propiconazole or Tebuconazole at 1 ml per litre is advised four months after planting. If early symptoms, including black or dark olive-green pinhead-sized spots surrounded by yellowing leaves, are detected, immediate fungicide application is essential to prevent widespread infection,” the statement read.
Given the highly infectious nature of Pyricularia, swift action is crucial. Researchers noted that the disease can spread across large areas in as little as 10 hours, with affected fields located up to 20 kilometres apart.
Farmers who have encountered this outbreak have been advised to temporarily halt ginger cultivation in the affected regions. Meanwhile, ongoing research is focused on gaining deeper insights into the pathogen’s behaviour and the environmental factors that trigger its spread.
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